Celebrating everyday accessibility at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the disability community and friends participate in a day of tours, art making, performances and other activities. On March 29, 2012, Neuropsychological Associates proudly shared in the excitement of one patient’s participation. His work represents hours of neurocognitive rehabilitation using art therapy.
Access Advisors at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco invited the disability public to participate in an open house and special activities. More than 230 Bay Area artists whose work was selected were invited to view their art in a special showing at the Koret Auditorium. Seven Rhoda Goldman Plaza Terrace residents’ art works were selected and were shown at this special screening.
Neuropsychological Associates staff art therapist, Ruth Strock, was present for the event to assist participants. She is pictured here. Art therapy is a viable modality for the preservation of neurocognitive skills.
Training seminars offering CEU’s/MCEP & BBSE units to psychologists, nurses, social workers, and MFT’s. Trainings will be available online and in our Santa Rosa office.
Please plan to attend at the Atrium Court Building, in the
Community Conference Room at
1260 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
To register call (707) 526-5424 to reserve your seat. Space is limited.
We hope to see you there!
4 CEUs
BBSE & MCEP
“Basic Psychopharmacology for Psychologists & Clinicians”
5/3/12 1-5 p.m.
4 CEUs
Welcome Dr. Shah to Neuropsychological Associates after providing services to inpatients at Napa State Hospital, Napa, CA where he works as both Director and as a Senior Psychiatrist Supervisor. In addition, Dr. Shah is part of the Sonoma County Mental Health in Santa Rosa, CA. Dr. Shah’s duties included being a Member of the Executive Policy Team. Supervising four department chiefs (psychiatry, psychology, medical ancillary service and forensics) and chief of staff. Leading a medical staff of 220 physicians. Implementing Department of Health’s policies and procedures. Working on treatment enhancement and compliance with Treatment Enhancement Plan, which Napa State Hospital was obliged to implement under the federal Civil Rights of Institutionalized Patients Act. Dr. Shah participated in monitoring utilization review for medical services. Besides having a plethora of experience, Dr. Shah has a special interest in the treatment and study of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Shah will be available for patient appointments and consultations. We welcome Dr. Shah and hope that he finds Neuropsychological Associates supportive of his continuing career endeavors.
www.NeuropsychologicalAssociates.org
Maria has been a teacher for 35 years. Teaching fills her life and gives her a sense of accomplishment, but recently she has begun to forget details and has become more and more disorganized. At first, she laughed it off, but her memory problems have worsened. Her family and friends have been sympathetic but are not sure what to do. Parents and school administrators are worried about Maria’s performance in the classroom. The principal has suggested she see a doctor. Maria is angry with herself and frustrated, and she wonders whether these problems are signs of Alzheimer’s disease or just forgetfulness that comes with getting older.
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The early symptoms of dementia can include memory problems, difficulties in word finding and thinking processes, changes in personality or behavior, a lack of initiative or changes in day to day function at home, at work or in taking care of oneself. This information does not include details about all of these warning signs, so it is recommended that you seek other sources of information. If you notice signs in yourself or in a family member or friend, it is important to seek medical help to determine the cause and significance of these symptoms.
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WHAT IS A GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRIST?
A geriatric psychiatrist is a medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders that may occur in older adults. These disorders include, but are not limited to, dementia, depression, anxiety, and late-life schizophrenia.
Older adults have special physical, emotional, and social needs. Understanding this, the geriatric psychiatrist takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, including listening and responding to the concerns of the older adult, helping families, and when necessary, working with other health care professionals to develop effective approaches to treatment. Co-existing medical illnesses, medications, family issues, social concerns, and environmental issues are integrated into a comprehensive program of care.
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The “Pseudo-Psychologist” does not necessarily have to be a school psychologist. It is any staff member who begins throwing around psychological terms as if they are certain they have all of the answers. Far worse is when you get the Pseudo-Psychologist who starts opining as to the appropriateness of the medications your child is taking! Medical decisions should be made by medical doctors, not IEP Team members (in fact, this is prohibited by law in Connecticut)!
To continue, click here!
www.NeuropsychologicalAssociates.org
Dr. Michael A. Fraga
Neuropsychological Associates is committed to providing honest and credible neuropsychological services. During these times of shrinking funding for medical services, it is important to understand the impact of adequate training and credentialing. Health professionals are trying to capture part of the market by offering services beyond the scope of their practice. For patients, the risk of securing appropriately credentialed clinicians grows more complicated. Patients and their families need to feel supported and are encouraged to inquire about professional licensing prior to securing services. Here at Neuropsychological Associates we welcome discussion and offer free consultations both to families and other professionals facing these decisions. Please help us welcome Dr. Shah, our new psychiatrist, to the practice.
Please visit our website for a list of these professionals. For more information regarding our Concierge Services, please call 707.526.5424 x 301 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Michael Fraga, MSCP.
Dr. Michael A. Fraga, MSCP
Neuropsychology & Assessment
Highland Hospital
Dept. Of Medicine, Neurology Div.
www.NeuropsychologicalAssociates.org
Editorial, New York Times
In 2000, 
just two weeks after her fifth-grade graduation, Karla Mejia woke up with numbness on the right side of her body. The diagnosis was multiple sclerosis. She spent almost a year in the hospital, relearning to walk and to write, but her anger and depression over the years left her unable to concentrate on schoolwork. To read more, click here.
By Jane E. Brody, New York Times
When it comes to understanding, preventing and treating chronic diseases, multiple sclerosis ranks among the most challenging. The word “multiple” is apt in more ways than one. To read more, click here.
